Full Breakdown
Rats Consume Evidence: Ranchi Court Acquits Man in Major Narcotics Case
12/31/2025, 9:49:02 PM
Overview of the Case
In a remarkable legal twist, a Ranchi court has acquitted Indrajit Rai, also known as Anurjeet Rai, in a significant narcotics case after police claimed that nearly 200 kilograms of seized ganja, valued at approximately INR1 crore, was destroyed by rats while in police custody. The case traces back to January 2022, when officers from the Ormanjhi police station intercepted a white Bolero on National Highway 20, allegedly transporting a large consignment of marijuana from Ranchi to Ramgarh. While two occupants fled, Rai was apprehended and charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Procedural Failures and Inconsistencies
As the trial progressed, the prosecution's case began to deteriorate due to significant inconsistencies in witness testimonies regarding the details of the interception, including the location, timing, and the officers involved. The court noted that these contradictions undermined the credibility of the prosecution's narrative. Furthermore, the police's admission that the seized ganja had been consumed by rats while stored in the police station's malkhana raised serious concerns about procedural negligence.
The Court's Findings
The court criticized the police for what it termed "gross negligence," questioning how such a large quantity of narcotics could be left unsecured. A station diary entry from 2024 confirmed the destruction of the contraband, leading the court to conclude that the chain of custody had been irreparably broken. Without the physical evidence and with procedural lapses in the seizure, storage, and sampling processes, the prosecution failed to establish a reliable link between Rai and the alleged offense. Consequently, the court granted Rai the benefit of the doubt and acquitted him of all charges.
Broader Implications
This case has raised significant concerns regarding the handling and safeguarding of high-value seized materials by law enforcement agencies. The Ranchi acquittal is not an isolated incident; similar claims have surfaced in Jharkhand, where officials previously reported that rats had consumed liquor stored in government warehouses. These incidents highlight a troubling pattern of procedural laxity that undermines the integrity of evidence in narcotics cases.
Official Statements & Responses
The court's judgment emphasized the need for strict compliance with seizure, storage, and documentation norms under the NDPS Act, stating that these procedures are foundational to lawful prosecution. The ruling serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting evidentiary integrity in the justice system.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With no material evidence left and the chain of custody completely broken, the benefit of doubt must go to the accused,” — Ranchi Court Judgment
- “Calling the explanation a case of “gross negligence,” it noted that the police had failed in their basic duty to safeguard seized material.” — Ranchi Court Judgment
The acquittal of Indrajit Rai underscores the critical importance of maintaining rigorous standards in the handling of evidence, particularly in high-stakes narcotics cases. The court's decision not only reflects on this specific case but also raises broader questions about systemic issues within law enforcement practices in India.
